The Property (Relationships) Act 1976 radically reformed the property rights of married and de facto couples whose relationships end on the death of one of the parties. The new rules were frequently portrayed as a mere extension of the provisions applicable on separation. However, RELATIONSHIP PROPERTY ON DEATH explains how differently the Act operates on death. RELATIONSHIP PROPERTY ON DEATH provides a coherent theory of the distinction between relationship property rules and succession rules as the basis for analysis and application of the new legislation.This book critically analyses the death provisions in detail, the options for surviving spouses and partners, the consequences of those options, and the various ways in which these consequences can be circumvented through asset and estate planning. It considers the rights of third parties, such as children of the relationship creditors, and others who may have a claim against the deceased spouse or partner. A team of seven expert authors, led by Nicola Peart, Margaret Briggs, and Mark Henaghan from the University of Otago, have put together this authoritative and highly accessible work. Lawyers, businesses, financial advisers, and academics who specialise in family and succession law will find this book essential reading for their work. Awarded the JF Northey Memorial Prize for Best New Zealand Legal Book published in 2004, this is a masterful analysis of a difficult subject.